Providence, RI–The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition has selected City of Providence Mayor Jorge O. Elorza to receive a 2016 President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award. The award is given annually to individuals or organizations who improve the lives of others within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness, and nutrition-related programs.

Mayor Elorza is committed to making Providence one of the fittest and healthiest cities in the country. Under the Mayor’s leadership, he has initiated and expanded opportunities for free and low-cost, year-round fitness activities; supported active transportation policies and initiatives, such as walking and biking; and actively promotes the use of Providence’s 100+ parks for all residents.

“Mayor Elorza has worked to consistently promote opportunities for individuals to lead healthy lifestyles through physical activity and/or healthy nutrition,” says Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the Office of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition. “Because of Mayor Elorza’s efforts and contributions, his community can embrace a more active lifestyle. Together, we are all working to make our nation a healthier one by helping individuals across the nation live vibrant, vivacious, and productive lives.”

“Mayor Elorza is committed to improving community health and wellness at all levels” says Ellen Cynar, Director of the Healthy Communities Office, City of Providence. “From riding his bike to work to leading a weekly community run for participants of all fitness abilities, the Mayor is personally committed to modeling a healthy lifestyle. We are grateful for his leadership to make Providence a healthier city for all residents.”

This year, in honor of its 60th Anniversary, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition presented the Community Leadership Award to 60 recipients across the country for making sports, physical activity, fitness, and nutrition-related programs available in their communities.

About the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (President’s Council) educates, engages and empowers Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition. The President’s Council is composed of up to 25 volunteer citizens, including athletes, chefs, physicians, fitness and nutrition professionals, and physical educators, who are appointed by the President and serve in an advisory capacity through the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The President’s Council is co-chaired by NFL quarterback Drew Brees and Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes. The President’s Council also develops strategic partnerships to promote programs and initiatives that motivate people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to lead healthy, active lifestyles. For more information, please visit the website: www.fitness.gov and follow the President’s Council on Twitter @FitnessGov.